K-pop's Bain breaks taboos as ‘first' openly gay idol: ‘not an easy path'
Bain, a member of boy band Just B, has become the first
South Korean K-pop idol to publicly come out as gay, a landmark move that challenges deep-rooted taboos in the country's entertainment industry – and, as he told This Week in Asia in an exclusive interview, one that came after intense personal struggle.
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'I am proud to be a part of the LGBTQ community,' the 23-year-old, whose real name is Song Byeong-hee, declared during a packed concert in Los Angeles on April 22, before dedicating a cover of
Lady Gaga 's Born This Way to 'anyone still figuring it out'.
Waving a rainbow flag as the crowd erupted into cheers, Bain added: 'You are seen, you are loved, and you were born this way.'
The moment sent shock waves across the K-pop world, with fans flooding social media platforms with messages of admiration and solidarity.
'Wow! Hats off to Bain. People like him make K-pop even more wonderful. I love you,' wrote one fan on social media.
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'I admire your courage. I support you and I hope you shine even brighter!' wrote another.
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